Manchester United are expected to sign a new midfielder in 2026 to address their issues in the middle of the park. Ruben Amorim has deployed Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in the midfield pivot, with mixed results so far.
While the Portuguese superstar has adapted his game well to suit a change in position, the Brazilian is not a long-term solution for the job. Casemiro is already in the final 12 months of his contract at the Theatre of Dreams and is likely to be on his way at the end of this season.
With the team struggling to control games, the Red Devils arguably need someone capable of orchestrating the midfield. Adam Wharton was already on the club’s radar in the summer, and recent reports suggest that he is back on their agenda.
Wharton a fine choice for the job
Wharton rose through the ranks at Blackburn Rovers before breaking into the first team in 2022. His performances at Ewood Park earned him admirers at Crystal Palace, who signed him in the summer of 2024.
Despite an injury-ravaged debut campaign, Wharton managed to catch the eye with his ball distribution and his ability to dictate the tempo from deep. He also played a key role in Palace’s FA Cup triumph, finishing the season with two assists from 26 games.
He has been outstanding for the London club this season, registering one assist in 10 games, all of which were starts. United legend Rio Ferdinand has already urged the club to sign the player, comparing him to former midfielder Michael Carrick.
A recent report from The Peoples Person stated that United are already preparing a £60m offer for the 21 year old in 2026, which they believe will be enough to convince the Eagles. Palace co-owner Steve Parish has now responded to the rumours.
Palace relaxed about the situation
Speaking to talkSPORT, Parish acknowledged that Wharton will want to leave Selhurst Park for a Champions League club in the near future.
“I think Adam at some point will want to play either in the Champions League with us, if we can make that happen, or probably with another club,” said Parish.
“He’s an extraordinary talent. I think right now, and I can’t speak for Adam, but I think he’s focused on his time at Crystal Palace. He had a broken season last season with the groin issues that he had that a lot of young players get.
“I think this season he’s completely focused on putting the games in, getting in the England squad, being a regular for us, and making sure that he can show that Saturday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday. It’s a difficult programme for us right now. I think he’s very committed to the club. I don’t know where all this stuff comes from.”
When asked about interest from United, Parish added: “If Manchester United want Adam Wharton, that’s nothing surprising really about that.”
“The fact of the matter is he’s got a long contract to run. There’s no pressure on us to do it, and I don’t think there’s any real pressure from the player either.”
Wharton has all the attributes to be an ideal partner for Bruno Fernandes at the heart of Amorim’s midfield. The Englishman’s presence could allow the Portuguese to resume his natural game and have a greater impact higher up on the pitch.
Wharton’s contract expires in 2029, but a recent report states that Palace are already planning to offer him a new deal. As such, prising him away from Selhurst Park may not be straightforward for United.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
